William deJong-Lambert
Historian of science and author who appears as a guest to discuss the Lysenko affair and the Cold War politics of genetic research.
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Oct 6, 2025 • 41min
Stalin’s War on Genetics
William deJong-Lambert, a historian of science and author, delves into the troubling tale of Trofim Lysenko, who convinced Stalin that ideology trumped genetics. Discover how Lysenko's rise to power led to the purging of dissenting scientists like Nikolai Vavilov. The discussion explores Lysenko's bizarre agricultural theories, his manipulation of politics and media, and the dire consequences for Soviet science. Ultimately, deJong-Lambert highlights the political interference that caused a significant setback in genetic research during a crucial era.
